Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Deluxe
Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Deluxe
Tour Overview
All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley. With a selection of 4* hotel accommodations, experience an unforgettable journey.
Itinerary
Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.
Day 2: Blois to Amboise 42 KM / 26 MI
Cycle through nice tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct). Then continue on the 'Loire a Velo' cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.
Day 3: At Amboise 45 KM / 28 MI
Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. His workshops house 40 giant models of some of his most spectacular creations, the first plane, helicopter and tank, and the beautifully landscaped gardens bring life to his botanical drawings and geographical designs. Alternatively cycle to wine capital, Vouvray, famous for their fine white wines and explore the troglodyte caves en route. Here you'll find wine tasting possibilities and the option to visit Chateau de Valmer where King Charles VII once stayed.
Day 4: Amboise to Chenonceaux 44 KM / 27 MI
Gentle pedalling through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire will bring you to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating 'on air and water', it's arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. This chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers's garden, then the Catherine de Medici's one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.
Day 5: Chenonceaux to Cheverny 40 KM / 25 MI or 54 KM / 33 MI
Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard. Leaving the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Chteau de Fougres-sur-Bivre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.
Day 6: At Cheverny 47 KM/ 29 MI
Discover the famous sumptuously furnished Chateau of Cheverny. Inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries, the Chateau, its gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin exhibition will give you an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, cycle to the Chateau in Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue your excursion to the rich and mysterious 'Sologne' with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private chateaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves.
Day 7 : Cheverny to Blois 40 Km / 25 MI or 50 KM/ 31 MI
Cycle to the prestigious and largest Chateau de Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms. Dreamed up by Francois I to cement his power in stone, the Chateau de Chambord is an unparalleled architectural exploit. Among the numerous innovations in Chambord, the double helix staircase is without a doubt one of the most remarkable. This staircase, which allows for two people to walk without crossing paths, has always fascinated visitors. Then, ride along the Loire riverbank before arriving in Blois.
Day 8 : Leave Blois
Meals
All continental breakfast
Single Supplement
Add 588 single supplement. Single traveller supplement 86.
Travel
British Airways Heathrow to Paris CDG 07:20/09:35 then rail Paris Montparnasse to Blois-Chambord via St Pierre des Corps 12:29/15:15 (Mon-Fri), Paris Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord 12:37/14:06 (Sat) Paris Austerlitz-Blois-Chambord via Orleans 13:22/15:20 (Sun) and walk to the hotel opposite the station. Return: Walk to the station opposite the hotel then rail Blois-Chambord to Paris Montparnasse via St Pierre des Corps 11:30/13:33 (Mon-Fri) Blois-Chambord to Paris Austerlitz 12:03/13:39 (Sat Sun) then British Airways Paris CDG to Heathrow 17:40/17:55 (Tues), 18:05/18:20 Sun, Mon Weds) 18:50/19:05 (Sat Thurs).
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure (4 star)
Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel's areas. All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided. Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. 'Le Quai', the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.
Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien (4 star)
Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien is a charming 18th-century hotel nestled in the historical heart of the city of Amboise. Make sure you also take the time to relax in the heated, outdoor swimming pool or on the sun terrace. The spacious rooms with antique furniture are a haven of tranquility and provide a great feeling of relaxation in a warm atmosphere. Both rooms are equipped with high-standard bathrooms (jet showers, bathtubs, etc.) A wellness area with hot tub, sauna and fitness room is also available at the property. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
Auberge du Bon Laboureur (4 star)
This 18th-century country inn is located in the centre of Chenonceaux, just 500 m from the Castle of Chenonceau. It offers an heated outdoor swimming pool during summer and winter and Scandinavian baths. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated and are equipped with air conditioning and a TV with satellite channels. Each room has a private bathroom including bathrobes and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is available. You can stroll around the peaceful garden setting before dining in the gourmet restaurant. Auberge du Bon Laboureur also features a bar with an extensive wine list and a buffet breakfast is served every morning, which can also be enjoyed in the guest's room.
Relais des 3 Chateaux (4 star)
Founded in 1850 to welcome voyagers travelling on foot, by horse and by car. The ancient stables are still visible in the current restaurant area, they could shelter up to 100 saddle and draught horses. It soon became one of the main relay stops between Blois and Romorantin. In order to perpetuate the tradition, the restaurant has kept the original name of Les Trois Marchands : The three Merchands. An additional curiosity about the history of this building: The part that adjoins the church was a former convent. Located in the heart of Cour-Cheverny, is now a days engaged both in keeping up its history and in preserving its conviviality spirit. This charming four stars hotel has been fully renovated and offers all the comfort of modern facilities. The atmosphere evokes the Renaissance style: curved shaped designed furniture, warm tones of the tapestries together with handcraft made lights respect the refined style of the charm typical of the Loir Valley.
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Headwater requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."